Embarrassing moments, fear of numbers and bad teacher experiences have left many students at Palo Alto with math anxiety.

Many students suffer “feelings of frustration or helplessness about their ability to do math,” according to MathAcademy.com. Math anxiety for most students is the panic of taking a test, feelings of rejection, and thoughts of being the only one with the problem. In reality, you’re not alone.

This spring, approximately 25 percent of all Palo Alto students are currently enrolled in developmental math courses, according to Elizabeth Tanner, Chair of the Department Math.

Al Reynosa, a sophomore Psychology major, said, “My anxiety of math can be traced back to my childhood. Whenever I gave an incorrect answer, I would feel embarrassed, which has left a lasting impression that follows me today.”

Jonathan L. Morris, an Electrical Engineering major, said, “The main reason why I feel students fear math is because of their negative feeling toward the subject.”

Although most students try to hold off taking math, the subject is important to master because every student needs math for their major and for life. However, with negative experiences, some students still feel discouraged.

Alice Lawson-Johnson, Assistant Professor of Math, said, “Students are not taught to speak the language of mathematics…if students learn the definitions and how to apply the rules, math wouldn’t be as hard."

Although the fear of math may prevent students from moving forward, it is always good to know that they don’t have to go through this challenge alone.

Palo Alto’s Math Learning Center is one place to turn for help. The Lab, located in the EL Building, is opened seven days a week, Mondays through Thursdays, 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Fridays, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.; and Sundays from 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. over in Room 110 of the library. The Lab provides help for all math courses. They offer tutoring over the phone, and they provide graphing calculators along with videos and formula sheets.

“I would hope that students would not be embarrassed nor intimidated about coming in and asking for help,” said Lydia Casas, Math Specialist. “We offer excellent services with an excellent staff of tutors."

Morris said, “Math takes a lot of practice, and most people just want to walk right up and understand the subject, but you can’t. Students have to practice to learn each formula and each theory.”

Instead of cramming for a test on the same day, Lawson-Johnson recommends that students “read before coming to class. ASK FOR HELP…and use three of the senses: seeing, writing and talking while trying a problem,” she said.

Despite the embarrassing moments, fear of numbers and bad experiences, students must realize they are not alone and math anxiety can be overcome through practice, help and dedication.

For more math help, visit the Math Learning Center on campus in EL 105, or contact the Math Specialists at (210) 921-5149.